Long stays are gaining immense popularity in Dubai, driven by several reasons, ranging from remote work and extended business trips for projects to relocations and bleisure (business cum leisure) stays. Yet, planning a long-term stay in Dubai, whether for an extended leisure trip, transitional career shift or for work is important.
It is possible to live comfortably in Dubai for extended periods without overspending. The secret lies in choosing accommodation strategically, using smart options for transportation and choosing residential-style localities over touristy hubs. Here is a guide that will help you plan a longer stay in Dubai conveniently.
Choosing Long-Stay Accommodation Smartly in Dubai
One of the best ways to lower your costs while staying for extended periods in Dubai is to avoid costly hotels. They do not make sense for extended durations with sizeable per-night rates and extra spends on on-site dining, laundry and other perks. At the same time, groups or families will have to spend even more while booking multiple hotel rooms.
On the flipside, booking an unfurnished or traditional rental means stricter long-term rentals, paperwork (Ejari contracts and local checkbooks) and committing to lengthy stays that have to be supported by your visa and work prospects. You’ll also have to invest time, energy and money into setting up and furnishing the apartment. That is where a middle path exists towards planning a comfortable long stay in Dubai without overspending, namely serviced long-stay apartments for rent in Dubai.
Why Serviced Apartments Are a Smart & Budget-Friendly Choice
- Lower Rates: Serviced apartments offer lower nightly rates than hotels. The rates are also all-inclusive, covering electricity, water, air-conditioning (otherwise costly in the summer) and high-speed Wi-Fi, along with weekly/bi-weekly housekeeping. This eliminates hidden costs and bundles everything into a competitive rate. There are also discounts available for long-term or extended stays (along with corporate packages).
- Kitchens & Laundry: Private kitchens with all appliances and cookware help you cook your own meals as per your dietary requirements, while saving money on dining out daily. In-unit laundry also contributes to more convenience and cost savings..
- Flexible Leases: You can book weekly or monthly leases without being strictly locked into a one-year lease or paying hefty commissions to agents. Leases are often flexibly extendable for maximum convenience.
- Hotel-Style Amenities: Most hotel apartment rentals in Dubaioffer premium perks, including on-site fitness centres, swimming pools, concierges, elevators, lounges, dedicated workspaces and more.
Choosing Neighbourhoods Strategically to Lower Costs
It’s not just serviced apartments; you’ll have to smartly choose your neighbourhood for an extended stay in Dubai. Choosing a residential-style locality will help you save more as compared to touristy areas. While staying next to the Dubai Marina or Burj Khalifa is convenient and tempting, it is also quite costly. For stretching your budget, find well-connected residential areas that offer apartments at a fraction of the cost (than these prime locations).
Al Barsha, for example, is centrally positioned and offers affordable apartments, quick access to the Mall of the Emirates and several budget restaurants. Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) is a modern community that expats prefer for competitive monthly rates for newer and spacious apartment units. Bur Dubai and Deira are also historic districts with the lowest living costs in Dubai, in addition to great street food and connectivity. Barsha Heights (TECOM) is another popular choice for younger professionals, with cost-effective high-rise serviced units directly on the metro line. International City is another master-planned and multicultural community with country-themed segments, low-rise buildings, green spaces and local shops. Apartments are available here at considerably lower rates.
Ace Public Transportation in Dubai
Staying near the public transportation network is a must while you’re choosing long-stay apartments for rent in Dubai. Dubai is a vast city and only depending on ride-hailing apps (such as Careem) will quickly eat into your budget. Here’s what you can do instead:
- Use the Dubai Metro: The city’s driverless metro system is contemporary, clean and highly efficient, along with being affordable. Buy a Silver Nol Card and load it for discounted fares throughout zones. Stay within walking distance of a metro station to save high amounts each month.
- Ride the RTA Buses and Trams: These are easily connected to metro stations for covering areas that are along the coast or further inland.
- Car Rentals: If you have to drive, choose monthly car rentals from local apps instead of daily rentals (which are costlier).
Strategic Dining & Shopping for Groceries
Here are some ways to help you lower costs in this category.
- Local Supermarkets: Buy as much as you can from local supermarkets; avoid high-end premium grocers like Spinneys and Waitrose for extended stays. Shop at Viva (discount grocer), Union Coop, Lulu Hypermarket or Carrefour to stock up your apartment kitchen.
- Eating in Old Dubai: On days you want hearty meals at lower rates outdoors, bypass the premium eateries in Downtown Dubai. Head to Karama, Bur Dubai or Deira for top-class Pakistani, Indian, Filipino, Lebanese and other cuisine at incredibly affordable rates.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment & Leisure
Living in Dubai for longer periods does not mean that you will skip major activities altogether. Here are some options to lower your costs in the entertainment and leisure category.
- Use apps like The Entertainer or Smiles and Privilee for getting 2-for-1 deals on spas, dining, attractions, etc.
- Enjoy Dubai’s free attractions like the JBR or Kite Beach (public beaches), watch the Dubai Fountain show, explore the Al Qudra Lakes or go hiking in Hatta.
- If you have flexible dates, plan your trip between May and September. Off-season travel will help you get great discounts on apartments and attractions. However, you will have to plan indoor activities amidst the summer heat.
Conclusion
A longer stay in Dubai can be more comfortable without overspending, especially if you make smarter transportation, dining, shopping and leisure choices. At the same time, it is vital to choose the right accommodation in the form of serviced apartments for home-like comfort, privacy and cost-effectiveness alike. It will help you reduce a large part of usual costs that expats budget for when they have to stay in Dubai for longer periods.